The Functions of the Gerund in the Sentences

The Gerund can be:

1. the subjectof a sentence when an action is considered in a general sense.

Talking mends no holes.

Разговоры не помогают в беде.

Learning rules without examples is difficult.

Учить правила без примеров трудно.

It's foolish arguing over trifles.

Глупо спорить по пустякам.

It's no use talking like that to me.

Бесполезно говорить со мной таким тоном.

2. the predicative.

What he likes best in the world is travelling.

Что он любит больше всего на свете - (так) это путеше­ствовать.

Deliberating is not delaying.

Раздумывать - не значит отложить.

All I want is getting out of here.

Всё, что я хочу - это выбраться отсюда.

Seeing is believing.

Увидеть - значит поверить.

3.

a) part of a compound verbal modal predicate with verbs and verbal phrases expressing modality: intend, expect, want, like, feel like, detest, dislike, can't help, can't bear/stand, etc.

b) part of a compound verbal aspect predicate with verbs denoting the beginning, the duration, or the end of the action such as begin, start, go on, keep on, cease, finish, quit, com­mence, stop, give up, carry on, proceed, resume, continue, etc.

We intend going there in summer.

Мы намерены съездить туда летом.

Не couldn’t help admiring the man.

Он не мог не восхищаться этим человеком.

/ can't help thinking that I've seen you before.

Я не мог не думать о том, что видел вас раньше.

/ can't stand her grumbling.

Я не выношу её ворчания.

Не kept looking behind.

Он продолжал оглядываться назад.

Не was wearing an old suit and his hair wanted cutting.

На нём был старый костюм, и его волосы нуждались в

стрижке.

Не resumed working.

Он продолжил работу.

In the night it started raining.

Ночью пошёл дождь.

4.

a) a direct object after the following verbs: admit, antici­pate, avoid, consider, delay, deny, enjoy, escape, excuse, fancy(imagine), forgive, involve, mind, postpone, prevent, re­gret, remember, resent, resist, risk, suggest, etc.

b) a prepositional objectafter the verbs with prepositions: accuse of, aim at, approve of, assist in, complain of, depend on, decide against, dream of, inform of, insist on, prevent from, think of (about), succeed in, rely on, suspect of, warn against, look forward to, object to, devote to, etc.; after the ad­jectives and adjectivized participles with prepositions: be afraid of, be amazed at, be used to, be good at, be fond of, be tired of, be proud of, be sorry for, etc.

1. Do you mind my closing the door?

Вы не возражаете, если я закрою дверь?

2. It's nice to be with other people but sometimes I enjoy

being alone.

Хорошо быть в компании с другими людьми, но иногда я люблю побыть в одиночестве.

3. I can't find my book. I remember having put (putting) it on the table.

Я не могу найти мою книгу. Я помню, что положила её на стол.

4. Не admitted taking the money. Он признался, что взял деньги.

5. Не resented having been criticized by the manager. Он обиделся на критику менеджера.

6. The situation calls for taking additional measures. Ситуация требует принятия дополнительных мер.

7. Не insisted on being taken to the concert.

Он настоял на том, чтобы его взяли на концерт.

8. I hope you don't object to our singing.

Я надеюсь, что вы не против нашего пения.

9. Everybody was interested in getting additional informa­tion.

Все были заинтересованы в получении дополнительной информации.

10. We are engaged in discussing this problem. Мы заняты обсуждением этой проблемы.

11. Mary apologized for not phoning me earlier. Мэри извинилась, что не позвонила мне раньше.

5. an attribute. In this function it is used after the nouns with prepositions - of, for, in, about, at. The most common nouns are: reason for, an advantage I disadvantage of, a cause of, a chance I opportunity, fear, feeling, fact, gift, idea, way of, a difficulty, decrease, rise, fall in.

Practice

1. State the form of the Gerund. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. I don't think the collection of essays is worth reprinting. 2. All of us enjoyed reading your letter. 3. She had the feeling of being watched. 4.1 thanked her for having made a list of all the things we ought to take along with us. 5. I hate being dis­turbed in my seat when the performance has started. 6. She de­nied having seen them in the shop. 7. After having read hun­dreds of books I came across one that made me think for my­self. 8. Before going to the station I had to telephone my office on business. 9. Swimming every day is a good way of keeping fit. 10. You'll enjoy being in London. 11. She regrets having said all this to you. 12. She apologised for not telling the truth. 13. There seems no reason for such a society being founded. 14. Volume Five wants binding. 15. Which do you like better -reading or being read to? 16. Joe resents being treated like a child. 17. I really object to driving on busy holiday weekends. 18. The guitar needs tuning. 19. She recalled having been taken there when she was young. 20. She has vague memories of hav­ing been knocked by a motorbike.

2. Use the correct form of the Gerund of the verb in brackets. Translate into Russian.

1. Why do you avoid (see) me?

2. He tried to avoid (see).

3. We insist on (send) him there at once.

4. He insists on (send) there instead of me.

5. Do you mind (examine) the first?

6. He showed no sign of (know) them.

7. She showed no sign of (im­press).

8. He had the most irritating habit of (joke) at the wrong moment.

9. I was annoyed at (interrupt) every other moment.

10. He hated (remind) people of their duties or (remind) of his.

11. In (discuss) the problem they touched upon some very inter­esting items.

12. The equipment must go through a number of tests before (install).

13. The water needs (filter).

14. The matter is not worth (speak of).

15. Excuse me for (give) you so much trouble.

16. You never mentioned (speak) to them on the sub­ject.

17. I don't remember ever (see) you.

18. The boys were punished for (break) the window.

3. Join two sentences to make one sentence using Gerund.

Model: Don't worry about it. It's no use.

It's no use worrying about it.

There is no point in worrying about it.

1. Don't try to escape. It's no use. 2. Don't smoke. It's waste of money. 3. Don't ask Tom to help you. It's no good, 4. Don't hurry. It's no worth it. 5. Don't study if you are feeling tired. There's no point. 6. Don't get angry. It's not worth it. 7. Don't work if you don't need the money. There's no point. 8. Don't give him much money. It's no good. 9. Don't blame yourself. There is no point. 10. Don't follow her advice if you don't trust her. There is no point. 11. Don't buy a secondhand car. It's waste of money. 12. Don't threaten him. It's no good.

4. Answer the questions according to the model.

Model: - Why didn't you tell him?

- It's no use telling him. It's no good telling him. or

- What's the point of telling him?

1. Why didn't you talk to him?

2. Why didn't you remind him?

3. Why didn't you complain?

4. Why didn't you suggest a remedy?

5. Why didn't you refuse?

6. Why didn't you offer a reward?

7. Why didn't you warn him?

8. Why didn't you go to the embassy?

9. Why didn't you demand compensation?

10. Why didn't you apply for that job?

11. Why didn't you leave?

12. Why didn't you oppose him?

5. Complete the sentences with a suitable word. Use each verb once only.

Model: 1. ... is unhealthy but a lot people find it difficult to stop.

Smokingis unhealthy, but a lot people find it difficult to stop.

2. I'm fed up with ... in the city - it's too dirty and crowded.

3. I enjoy ... in the garden at weekends.

4. I ran ten kilometres without ... .

5. He left the hotel without ... his bill.

6. I was surprised that she left without ... goodbye to anyone.

7. I'm not really interested in ... to university.

8. That machine? Oh, it's used for ... toasted sandwiches.

9. They don't like ... and go everywhere by car.

10. They've given up ... meat.

11. We were able to translate the letter into English without ... a dictionary.

12. It was a very long journey. I was very tired after ... on a train for 36 hours.

13. After ... the same job for ten years, I felt I needed a change.

14. ... children can be very tiring.

15. We are looking forward to ... you.

16. They are very keen on ... how to play chess.

17. ... television seems to be our national sport.

18. I have decided to stop ... in the evenings so that I can save some money for my holidays.

19. He's an artistic person - very good at ... poetry.

20. She is going to continue ... for another two years, until her exams.

21. They hate ... early in the morning.

22. Thank you for ... me organize the party.

23. We love ... parties.

6. Complete the sentences so that they mean the same as the sentences in brackets. Use the necessary prepositions.

Model: (Why is it useful to have a car?) What are the advan­tages of having a car?

1. (I don't intend to lend you any money.) I have no inten­tion ... .

2. (Helen has a good memory for names.) Helen is good ... .

3. (Mark won't pass the exam. He has no chance.) Mark has no chance ... .

4. (Did you get into trouble because you were late?) Did you get into trouble ... .

5. (We didn't eat at home. We went to a restaurant instead.) Instead.. .

6. (Tom thinks that working is better than doing nothing.) Tom prefers working ... .

7. (They got married. They didn't tell any of their friends.) They got married ... .

8. (Our team played well but we lost the game.) Our team lost the game in spite of ... .

9. (They wrote the list of guests then worked out the details of the party.) After ....

10. (He took the invitation. He didn't even thank her.) He took the invitation without ... .

11. (I wanted him to help us. And he was standing there giving advice.) Instead of ... .

12. (The astronauts received their final medical check then they boarded their spaceship.) After ....

7. Complete the sentences using the Gerund of the verb in brackets. Remember the usage of the preposition toin every case. In one case the perfect gerund is required. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. The Prime Minister said he was looking forward to (meet) the US President.

2. He said he wasn't used to (speak) in public.

3. Having almost run out of money, we were reduced to (stay) in a cheap hotel.

4. He tried to limit himself to (smoke) five cigarettes a day.

5. Manufacturers were asked to devote all their energies to (increase) exports.

6. The policeman couldn't swear to (see) the accused man at the scene of the crime.

7. The committee could see no alternative to (follow) the plan in its original form.

8. He should be accustomed by now to (eat) Eng­lish food.

9. Hard work is the key to (pass) examinations.

10. Does he prefer traveling by ship to (travel) by train⁷

11. Having suggested the plan myself, I now feel committed to (try) to make it work.

12. The speaker said he would confine himself to (answer) four questions.

13. Most teachers agree that their duties should not be limited solely to (teach).

14. He came very close to (win) a gold medal for his country in the Olym­pics.

15. Unreliable delivery dates are one of the most important obstacles to (increase) our exports.

8. Complete the sentences using by+ Gerund.Use one of the following:

borrow too much money; break a window; drive too fast; put

some posters up the walls; stand on a chair;

turn a key; follow her instructions; work day and night; slide

down ropes made of sheets;

explain the advantages of my plan; tell the truth; work regularly.

1. The burglars got into the house ... .2.1 was able to reach the top shelf .... 3. You start the engine of a car .... 4. Kevin got himself into financial difficulty ... .5. You can put people's lives in danger ... .6. We made the room look nicer ... .7. We found the house ... .8. You can improve your English ... .9. They were able to escape from fire ... . 10. He managed to fin­ish his job in time ... . 11. He surprised us all ... . 12. I tried to persuade him ....

9. Write the correct preposition and write the correct form of the Gerund.

1. After a long time we eventually succeeded ... a flat, (find) 2. I've been thinking ... for a new job. (look) 3. His par­ents didn't approve ... him ... out so late, (stay) 4. I wonder what prevented him ... to the party, (come) 5. I'm getting hun­gry. I'm looking forward ... dinner, (have) 6. I don't feel ... today, (study) 7. Forgive me ... you but I must ask you a ques­tion, (interrupt) 8. The arrested man was suspected ... into a house, (break) 9. Have you ever thought ... married, (get)10. I've always dreamed ... on a small island in the Pacific, (live) 11. The cold water didn't stop her ... a swim, (have) 12. Have you ever been accused ... a crime? (commit) 13. She apologized ... so rude to me. (be) 14. We have decided ... _a new car. (buy) 15. The student apologized ... the previous les­son, (miss) 16. Concert-goers are asked to refrain ... in the auditorium, (smoke) 17. The police suspect the owner of the store ... the fire himself, (start)

10. State the functions of the Gerund. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. It rained for three days without stopping. 2. I couldn't sleep despite being tired. 3. Having a lot of freedom is very im­portant to me. 4. I'm not interested in discussing your problem. 5. Thomas Edison was well-known for working very long hours. 6. He accuses me of having destroyed all his hopes. 7. Can't you stay? I don't like being alone in the house. 8. She doesn't like being taken notice of. 9. After having been taught English for three years, he was now to take up French and Spanish. 10. Despite living in the same street, we hardly ever see each other. 11. He had the advantage of always having con­fidence in himself. 12. Denying the fact would worsen the situa­tion. 13. It's no use being sorry now. 14. They had the gift of making you feel at home. 15. The young man didn't feel like laughing. 16. I wanted to go alone but they insisted on coming with me. 17. It's no good taking advantage of people's weak­ness. 18. The constant chatter of the children prevented him from working. 19. There's no point in having a car if you never use it. 20.1 think you should apologize to Sue for being so rude to her. 21. I'm fed up with this work. I'm thinking of trying something else. 22. We have decided against having a new car because we can't really afford it. 23. I wanted to go out alone but Joe insisted on coming with me. 24. Speaking a language every day is the best way of learning it. 25. Our house needs painting. 26. Crying won't help matters. 27. We use knife and fork for eating meat. 28. You will only succeed by trying hard. 29.1 don't want to force you into doing something against your will. 30. Being laughed at is never very nice. 31. Travelling abroad can be exciting enough, but just now it is more exciting being here. 32. She stopped answering my letters and I won­dered what the matter might be. 33. Can we recall having men­tioned the fact to anyone? 34. Thorpe was terrified, terrified of having to touch something, and even more, of being touched. 35. After having been rejected by dozen magazines, they (the stories) had come to rest in the Globe office. 36. I understand perfectly your wanting to leave. 37.1 wonder at Jolyon's allow­ing the engagement. 38. People will talk, there is no preventing it. 39. The host broke the awkward silence by inviting the guests to proceed to the dining-room. 40. This is laying the blame at the wrong door. 41. On being told the news she gave a gasp of surprise. 42. The idea is worth considering.

11. Complete the sentences using Gerund.

Model: You must be tired of ... —> You must be tired of doing the same things day after day.

1. The boy was severely reprimanded for ... .

2. The public was warned of the dangers of ... .

3. You seem to be very fond of ... .

4. Who is responsible for ....

5. You ought to think about... , instead of ... .

6. I would never think of ... .

7. They saw no reason for not....

8. My doctor advised me to give up ... .

9. We had to put off ... .

10. That company specializes in ....

11.I told him not to bother about... .

12. We asked the solicitor for advice before ... .

13. By ... , he ran a risk of ... .

14. The teacher de­cided against ... .

15. On ... , he took off his hat.

16. Many peo­ple get a great deal of satisfaction from ... .

17. Closing the fac­tory means ... .

18. They achieved good results by ... .

19. The garden is so neglected, it needs ... .

20. She is a very efficient secretary, she hasn't got any difficulty in ....

12. A friend has written to tell you he wants to give up his stud­ies. You are writing a reply. Join pairs of sentences, beginning with the word in brackets.

1. Don't ask your college friends what they think. That's no good. (It...)

2. Don't be hurt by other people's comments about your studies. It's no worth it. Try to work harder. (It ...)

3. Discuss the problem with your parents. It would be worth it. (It ...)

4. Why go out and earn money now. It's no use. (It ...)

5. Why worry about exams? It's no use. (It ...)

6. Think thoroughly about your future prospects before giving up studies. It is worth it.

7. Why not finish your education and then think of some new ideas. It's worth it. (It ...)

8. Don't waste your education. There's nothing worse than that. (There ...)

Now write part of your own letter. Include ideas and sen­tences from exercise 12.

13. Do you mind doing these things? Ask and answer. Give full answers, please. Work in pairs.

Model: Do you mind getting up early?

I don't mind getting up early.

I object to getting up early.

Team work. You're going to be teachers, lawyers, journalists, psychologists, economists, etc. Find out whether your friends are fit for the job.

Think about the qualities which are necessary for a good journalist, lawyer, etc. Do it like this: A good journalist doesn't mind travelling a lot, etc.

14. Answer the questions using gerunds. Speak about yourself using Gerunds.

1. Do you mind getting up at 7 o'clock every morning? 2. When did you start working here? 3. Do you like going to dis­cos? 4. Why don't you like going there? 5. Do you like to write "thank you" letters? 6. What is a good way of keeping fit? 7. Do you prefer travelling by plane or by ship? 8. Do you enjoy being challenged by new tasks? 9. Do you prefer doing practical things to reading or creative writing? 10. Do you enjoy talking to others about their opinions? 11. Do you like working under pressure? 12. Are you good at persuading others? 13. Is there any point in worrying about your friend's problems? 14. Do you keep in touch with your faraway relatives by dropping them a line or by giving them a ring? 15. Do you usually put much ef­fort into doing the job you like? 16. Do you have any difficul­ties in fulfilling the job you don't like? 17. Do you usually postpone doing it till next time? 18. Are you good at socializing with different people? 19. Are you good at using computers and learning languages? 20. Are you for or against learning things by heart?

15. Fill in the blanks with prepositions from the box + Gerund.Retell the story.

Two young doctors were speeding along a motorway in a sports car. They didn't notice a police car behind them. ... (When the police saw) the speeding car, the police tried to stop them. ... (They didn't slow down), one of the doctors waved his stethoscope to show that they were on an emergency call. So, ... (rather than stop) them, the police car dropped back. The doc­tors laughed, and drove even faster. However, ... (after the po­lice had followed) for a while, the police moved up alongside the doctors' car. Again the doctor waved his stethoscope, but this time the police answered ... (and waved) a pair of hand­cuffs.

16. Fill each blank with the correct combination of the adjective and verb given. Imagine you are going to interview Pat and Anna for an article in your own college magazine. Write down 15-20 questions to ask them. In your questions try to use as many of the adjectives + ing as you can.

Your Own Business

Tired of working for somebody else - keen to work for yourself?

"Patana" is the name of a new pottery studio shop run by Pat Long and Anna Goode, both in their mid-twenties.

When they met a year ago they were both unemployed, and (bored / work) bored with working in nine-to-five jobs. They both loved pottery, and were (tired / work) for somebody else. And at first they were (afraid /start) their own business. As Anna told me: "We were (afraid / fail)".

Pat has always been (interested / make) pottery while Anna has always been (keen / collect) work by new potters.

Pat and Anna make a good partnership. Pat admitted: "I'm absolutely (hopeless / keep) accounts, (awful / file), and (useless / deal) with customers. Anna's (brilliant / do) all those things.

Anna told me: "We were both anxious to avoid a huge debt to the bank, but of course, we did have to borrow money. Any­way, Pat doesn't have to worry because. I'm (responsible / look after) the money side of things!" She laughed, but confidently.

17. Put in the correct forms of the Gerund. Read the text and express your attitude to the problem discussed. Ask and answer the questions on the text.

It Takes Your Breath Away

The art of (cook) requires the use of garlic. Of course, the eat­ing of garlic is not generally approved of. (Work) beside someone who has eaten garlic is as bad as (sit) beside someone who smokes. But while (smoke) is definitely bad for you, there is no doubt that (eat) garlic is good for the health. We are likely to see more "No (smoke)" signs, but we won't see any "No (breathe)" signs for gar­lic eaters. (Cultivate) and (export) garlic has become big business now that so many people use it for (flavour) meat and (add) to dif­ferent dishes. People often buy it when they do the shopping. You don't have to deny (use) it or (have/eat) it. (Be) a garlic eater is something to be proud of and shows you enjoy (live). The story of garlic is a breathtaking success!

18. Read the text and put in the correct forms.

A Case of Shake

It's hard (appreciate) appreciating some of the problems of (play) in an orchestra, especially if you are not a musician. While the orchestra is busy (play), all kinds of things are going on. Recently, my friend John, a horn player, told me about his experiences of (play) with the Philharmonic. One day without even (whisper) a word he got up in the middle of performance of "The Marriage of Figaro" and moved to another seat. After the performance, the drummer, who played behind him, insisted on (find) out why John had moved. John said that he didn't ob­ject to (sit) in front of the drummer: he was used to (sit) in this position, but often, after a loud burst on the drums, he couldn't prevent his teeth from (rattle) and couldn't play the horn!

19. Here are some common set expressions with the Gerund. Match them with the explanations below.

1. It's no use crying over spilt milk (proverb).

2. There's no knowing/telling (what he'll do).

3. It goes without saying ....

4. There's no accounting for taste.

a. No one knows/No one can tell.

b. I don't need to tell you.

c. People often have strange likes and dislikes.

d. There's no point in making a fuss about something we can't put right.

Write the most appropriate set expressions from exercise 19 in each of the blanks in these short conversations.

1.

- Have you been to their house since they decorated it?

- Yes. Red curtains, yellow walls, and a blue carpet!

- Well, you know what they say: "...".

2.

- What am I going to do? Just look at this dress! It's got some grease on it from the car!

- Well, ... . You'll just have to buy a new one.

3.

-This report is highly confidential, so ... that you mustn't show it to anyone. ... what might happen if people found out what was in it.

- To tell you the truth, I'm worried that G.D. Smith has a copy. Let's just hope he keeps his mouth shut.

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